6-Minute Routine: Buddy Up for a Better Body

Double the Fun

You'll get twice the strength benefits and fun — in half the time — with this partner routine from Juan Carlos ("JC") Santana, director of the Institute of Human Performance.

What You'll Need

A partner and a ball (a basketball, soccer ball, or medicine ball is best)

1. Medicine-Ball Over-and-UnderMinute: 0:00-1:00

Targets back, glutes, hamstrings

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing partner from about 1 foot away. Hold ball at chest level. Squat down and pass ball to partner through your legs. Stand up and extend arms overhead; take the ball. Repeat for 30 seconds, then switch so partner passes first.

5. Medicine-Ball Tandem Push-Up

Minute 4:00-5:00

Targets chest, core

Begin in full push-up position, facing partner. Put your right hand on a ball. Lower into a push-up together, bending elbows 90 degrees. Return to start. Roll ball to partner; she puts her right hand on it. Do another push-up. Repeat on left. Continue, alternating sides.